The Federation of Small Businesses is challenging the Government on its attitude towards the self employed by publishing its own 'white paper.'

Titled The Right to be Self Employed, it sets out its own 'bill of rights' for the sector and the FSB says it has been provoked by actions of the government -- such as the recent controversial IR35 legislation which requires many contract workers to register as employees.

It is calling for a new act of parliament -- a registration of contracts for services act -- to mirror the current Contract of Employment Act.

The federation was planning to use the National Business Day event in the City of London last week, to launch its initiative.

''It is time the right to be self-employed was enshrined in legislation, in order to prevent the tinkering with a system and which is creating confusion and unfairness,'' Essex regional organiser Terry Taber said this week.

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